American English pronunciation

How to pronounce yawning

IPA transcription: ['jɔnɪŋ]

Hear “yawning” pronounced

['jɔnɪŋ]

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['jɔnɪŋ]

Quality: 0.98

['jɔnɪŋ]

Quality: 0.98

Noun

  • an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom

    “he could not suppress a yawn”

    “the yawning in the audience told him it was time to stop”

    “he apologized for his oscitancy”

Verb

  • utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

    “The child yawned during the long performance”

  • be wide open

    “the deep gaping canyon”

Adjective

  • gaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something

    “the yawning mine shaft”

    “a yawning abyss”

  • with the mouth wide open indicating boredom or sleepiness

    “a yawning congregation”

  • showing lack of attention or boredom

    “the yawning congregation”

Usage examples

  • Higgins's tricks included yawning and sneezing on cue.